Lebanese composer, playwright, and pianist Ziad Rahbani, son of legendary singer Fairuz and composer Assi Rahbani, died Saturday morning at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped the cultural and political landscape of Lebanon. A statement from the Beirut hospital where he was receiving treatment confirmed that “at 9:00 a.m., the heart […]

As Mexico continues to celebrate its rich tapestry of traditional music, the huapango stands out as a vibrant emblem of cultural fusion and artistic expression. Born from the mestizaje of Indigenous, European, and African influences, huapango is more than a genre—it’s a living tradition that pulses through the heart of the country’s musical identity. Originating […]

The cha-cha-chá is one of Cuba’s most representative musical genres and dances, as well as a hallmark of popular Latin American music. Its origin dates back to the late 1940s and is associated with violinist and composer Enrique Jorrín, a member of the Orquesta América. Seeking a simpler, clearer alternative to the danzón-mambo, Jorrín created […]

The history of Cuban drums dates back to pre-Columbian times, when indigenous peoples used wooden percussion instruments to create rhythmic vibrations. However, it was the arrival of African slaves that transformed Cuban drumming, introducing animal skin drumheads and shaping the distinct sounds that define Cuban percussion today. The Evolution of Afro-Cuban Drumming With the need […]

The Dominican Republic boasts a rich cultural heritage, and its traditional music remains one of the most defining elements of its national identity. Over the centuries, Dominicans have developed a diverse range of musical styles that reflect their history, ethnic fusion, and daily life experiences. While merengue and bachata are the country’s most internationally recognized […]

Nestled between the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Serranía del Perijá, Valledupar, capital of the Cesar Department, is one of Colombia’s premier cultural hubs. It is best known as thebirthplace of vallenato, a musical genre declared Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. At the heart of its cultural calendar is the Festival de […]

Today marks ten years since the passing of Mercedes Sosa, one of Argentina’s most celebrated voices and a defining figure of Latin American music. Known as La Negra, Sosa was more than a singer—she was a force of resistance, an emblem of cultural pride, and a champion of social justice. Born in Tucumán, Sosa was […]

The sad news was confirmed through a statement on her official Instagram account, which read: “With deep pain and sadness, we confirm the passing of our beloved Paquita la del Barrio at her home in Veracruz.” Cuban Singer-Songwriter Eduardo Sosa Passes Away at 52 Mexican music is in mourning following the passing of Francisca Viveros […]

This edition is dedicated to peasant music and has Colombia as its international guest, a country with a rich tradition of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, with cumbia and ballenato as two of the most transcendental rhythms.  RELATED: Venezuela Demands to Stop Branding Cuba as a Sponsor of Terrorism Cuban rural music has a rich tradition and includes […]

From March 5 to 10, 2024, Havana will host the 2024 edition of the “Guillermo Barreto in Memoriam Drum Festival.” RELATED:  Latin American Cinema in First Decade of the 20th Century Dedicated to Cuban popular music and dance, this international event brings together percussionists and dancers from different countries and genres. “For us, showing Africa […]